Systems Engineer - Instrumentation

Diagnose complex, multi-domain issues spanning optics, electronics, firmware, and software

Apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies to isolate failure modes and identify root causes

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (ME, EE, Firmware, Software) to resolve system-level issues

Document findings and drive corrective actions through to resolution

Perform rigorous data analysis on system performance data using Python and statistical tools

Develop analysis pipelines for automated data processing, visualization, and reporting

Apply statistical methods (regression, hypothesis testing, DOE, uncertainty analysis) to characterize system behavior

Build predictive models and identify correlations between subsystem parameters and system performance

Create dashboards and tools to monitor system health and performance trends

Work with optical systems, including lasers, detectors, optical cavities, and beam paths

Understand spectroscopic principles and their application to gas measurement

Support optical alignment, optimization, and performance characterization

Collaborate with spectroscopy experts to validate and improve measurement accuracy

Document system characterization procedures, test results, and analysis methodologies

Contribute to design reviews with data-driven insights and recommendations

Support transition to manufacturing with clear specifications and test procedures

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field (fresh graduate or early career), OR

MS in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience

Strong academic or professional background in measurement systems and instrumentation

Experience with spectroscopy, optical systems, or precision measurement is highly valued

Data Analysis & Programming:

- Proficient in Python for data analysis, visualization, and automation (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib)

- Strong statistical analysis skills (regression, DOE, uncertainty quantification, time-series analysis)

- Experience with data pipelines, Jupyter notebooks, and reproducible analysis workflows

Electronics & Optoelectronics:

- Basic understanding of analog and digital electronics

- Familiarity with photodetectors, laser drivers, signal conditioning, and DAQ systems

- Comfortable using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, optical power meters)

Optical Systems & Spectroscopy:

- Understanding of optical principles (alignment, beam propagation, cavity optics)

- Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques (absorption spectroscopy, CRDS principles a plus)

- Experience characterizing optical system performance

Systems Thinking:

- Ability to understand complex systems with multiple interacting subsystems

- Experience with system-level integration and validation

- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals.

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. at disabilityassistance@picarro.com for assistance.